Volunteer Opportunities

New Brunswick: 732-937-8507 | Somerset: 908-685-2952

Welcome to RWJ Volunteer Services!

Volunteers provide a vital part of the high-quality care that Robert Wood
Johnson University Hospitals are known for, and help us enhance the patient
experience every day.

By becoming a volunteer at RWJUH, you are choosing to be part of a dynamic
team who truly touches the lives of patients, families, visitors, and
staff. By contributing both your time and talent, you’ll be helping
others, meeting new people and learning new skills. While this is a very
rewarding experience, it also requires a significant commitment--both
in terms of service hours and the prerequisites that must be met as part
of our process.

We offer volunteer programs for both adults and teens at both our New Brunswick
and Somerset campuses.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why should I volunteer at RWJUH?

While volunteers offer their services free of charge, they receive many
benefits: They meet new people, make new friends, share their knowledge
or learn new skills, and most of all, volunteers receive the satisfaction
that comes from being needed and helping others. Volunteering at RWJUH
gives you the opportunity to experience all of this in a world-class healthcare
setting. Having a background in volunteer services can also be beneficial
when you are applying for education or employment opportunities.

Do you always need volunteers?

We almost always need qualified and committed adult volunteers. At certain
times of the year, our Teen Volunteer program reaches capacity and we cannot
accept new applications at those times.

Will I be able to shadow a doctor, other healthcare professional or have
a clinical experience when I volunteer at the medical center?

Volunteers serve to meet the non-clinical needs of the hospital. The Volunteer
Services department does not offer internship or shadowing opportunities.
Volunteers do not provide or participate in clinical care.

If I become a volunteer, will I get a job at the hospital?

While volunteering is a great way to enhance your resume, it is not a way
to increase your chance of employment at Robert Wood Johnson University
Hospital. If you are seeking employment, please go to our
Online Career Center.

What is the time commitment required for being a volunteer?

The minimum time commitment is two to four hours per week for one year
with 100 hours of service. You must be able to commit to volunteering
on a weekly basis.

What are the hours?

Volunteer shifts are available mornings, afternoons and evenings, seven
days a week at both the New Brunswick and Somerset campuses of RWJUH.
There are a wide variety of volunteer opportunities and shifts available

Can I choose my volunteer assignment?

We listen carefully to prospective volunteers' interests and goals during
the interview process and make every effort to place them in positions
that will be interesting to them and applicable to their skill set, while
still meeting the needs of the hospital. Every effort is made to place
a volunteer in their preferred area, but it is not always possible

What are the age requirements?

The minimum age to volunteer is 15 years of age and a sophomore in high
school for the Volunteer program. Adults, including college students,
of all ages are welcome to join the Adult program.

How long does it take for a volunteer application to be processed?

On average, the entire process takes several weeks. All application requirements
must be met prior to starting.

Is there a dress code?

Yes, all volunteers are asked to purchase their volunteer uniform or shirt
(cost $10). Volunteers must wear khaki pants or skirts. A professional,
groomed appearance is required for all volunteers at all times.

How do I apply for the adult volunteer program?

Adult applicants, including college students, are encouraged to apply online.
Find additional information about our adult volunteer program
here.

How do I apply for the TEEN Volunteer program?

Applicants for our Teen Volunteer program (high school sophomores and juniors age 15 –
18) must call the Volunteer Services department for a brief phone interview
and to request an application. Applications are only sent after speaking
with the interested volunteer, not the parent or guardian. For New Brunswick,
please call 732-937-8507; for Somerset, please call 908-685-2952. You
can find additional information about our Volunteer program
here.

Can I volunteer for just the summer?

Unfortunately, our program requires a full year commitment. As such, summer
only (or other school breaks) opportunities are not available.

For more information about volunteering at Robert Wood Johnson University
Hospital, please call: New Brunswick: 732-937-8507 Somerset: 908-685-2952.